The Year of Moving Forward

At our 4 person wedding reception in DC

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Today's council meeting

Finances

At last week's Bessemer City Council meeting a lot of numbers were thrown out. One was that the Library account, which is funded by the 3.5 mil library bond passed by voters years ago, had a balance of $1.4 million.

Upon further investigation (get used to hearing this term), it was discovered that there was only $764,987.19 in the account.

Hmmmm.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that on September 20, 2010, that $325,000 was transferred from the account, and on October 14, 2010, $450,000 was transferred from the account.

Both of these transfers were made in order for the city to meet payroll and payroll expenses. The transfers were authorized by former mayor Ed May, but were not authorized by or known to the city council. There is some question as to the legality of the transfers, both from the standpoint of granting authority, but also as to whether the money, voted on by the citizens to be used for library purposes, can be used for other purposes.

Council President Jesse Matthews suggested that the mayor look back further to see if such transfers were made during previous years.

Mayor Ken Gulley has asked the council to meet with him in a workday session on fiscal issues. He said some "harsh decisions" will have to be considered but that he will not "sugarcoat" or "exaggerate" the situation as he informs the public.

Judges speak before council

Today is Judge Annetta Verin's last day as a Bessemer municipal judge, and she and Judge Scott Roebuck, Bessemer's other municipal judge, spoke to the council about their duties, their dockets, and what the council should look for in a candidate to replace Judge Verin.

Judge Verin was recently elected to a Circuit Court position.

Judge Roebuck watches as Judge Verin speaks to the mayor and council

Judge Verin suggested that her replacement be someone who has (1) practiced law, (2) has a passion for the job, including domestic violence, (3) have certain qualities, i.e. honesty, integrity, dignity and respect. Judge Roebuck agreed and added that a judge should have a vested interest in the city and in the community. Both Judge Roebuck and Judge Verin live in the city of Bessemer.

I know some who have applied for this position, and I know who I would place in the position if I were in a position to do so. Someone who meets all those qualifications. I'll let the council members know.

This is not shocking information to me. It's only a matter of time and more digging before the council and mayor discover more of May's dishonest and highly irregular financial practices. Before the Western Tribune went out of business, the paper continually warned that the city was broke while the "other" Bessemer paper ignored any discussion of May's practices. Here's hoping that May will ultimately get what he so justly deserves.....a long stay in prison!